Love and power in the nineteenth century
Subtitle: the marriage of Violet Blair
By: Virginia Jeans Laas.
Publisher: University of Arkansas Press
Published: 1998
Place of publication: Fayetteville
Language: eng
Number of pages: 169
Subjects: Blair, Violet, 1848-1933 -- Diaries.; Blair, Violet, 1848-1933 -- Correspondence.; Janin, Albert -- Correspondence.; Women -- Washington (D.C.) -- Biography.; Women -- Washington (D.C.) -- History -- 19th century -- Sources.; Women -- Washington (D.C.) -- Social conditions.
Other titles: Marriage of Violet Blair
Description: This fascinating biography of a Gilded Age marriage closely examines the dynamic flow of power, control, and love between Washington blue blood Violet Blair and New Orleans attorney Albert Janin. Based on their voluminous correspondence as well as Violet's extensive diaries, it offers a thoroughly intimate portrait of a fifty-four-year union which, in many ways, conformed to societal norms yet always redefined itself in order to fit the needs and willfulness of both husband and wife.

With abundant documentary evidence to draw on, Laas ties this compelling story to broader themes of courtship behavior, domesticity, gender roles, extended family bonds, elitism, and societal stereotyping. Deeply researched and beautifully written, Love and Power in the Nineteenth Century has the dual virtue of making an important historical contribution while also appealing to a broad popular audience.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. 153-169).